Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra reckons Sanju Samson’s T20I numbers are not flattering at all. Samson has failed to grab his opportunity in the T20I format and could not do much in the recent five-match T20I series against the West Indies, which India lost by 3-2.
Samson was dismissed after scoring only 13 runs in the fifth T20I and once again could not convert his start into a substantial score. The right-hander failed to grab his chance in the T20I series as he could only manage 32 runs in three innings at an average of 10.67 and a strike rate of 114.29.
Samson has scored 333 runs in 22 T20I matches at an average of 18.5 and a strike rate of 131.62 and these numbers don’t justify the talent he has.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Aakash Chopra said, “He has played 22 T20Is, scored 333 runs at an average of 18, one half-century, best is 77 – not really good numbers. You should never mix T20I numbers with the IPL numbers because you get the wrong picture. I have taken out his IPL numbers, just to get an understanding of what he has been doing in T20s,” he elaborated.
“In IPL 2023, he scored three half-centuries, had a good strike rate of 153 and an average of 30, which is actually not bad. If we see the previous year, scored 458 runs at an average of 28 with two half-centuries, which is a middling kind of season. T20 numbers are not flattering at all,” the former Indian opener added.
On the other hand, Samson has scored 390 runs in 13 ODIs at an impressive average of 55.71 but the reputed commentator added that the sample size is really small.
“ODI stats are actually very good. He has played only 13 matches, hasn’t played them at a stretch and has batted up and down the order, scored 390 runs and in that he has scored three half-centuries, the strike rate is 104 and the average is 55. ODI numbers are looking good but the sample size is slightly small,” he observed.
“Why does everyone want Sanju Samson to be played? Not that the numbers are forcing you to play him. Sanju’s story is about potential. Sanju’s story is about just the aesthetics. When he plays well, it seems like no one plays better than him,” Chopra continued.
Samson is always treat to the eyes when he gets going but he needs to be more consistent to get regular chances in the playing XI. Samson is part of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland.
